How are bisphosphonates used in treating breast cancer?

Some patients with breast cancer benefit from a class of drugs called bisphosphonates. They act by blocking the activity of cells that break down the bones, thereby strengthening the bones. Women with metastatic breast cancer that's spread to the bones are treated with bisphosphonates in order to decrease the risk of future fractures and other bony complications. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have proven a clear benefit for patients with cancers that spread to bone including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and myeloma. These intravenous (IV) medicines are also used to treat patients who have dangerously high levels of calcium in their blood. They're usually delivered to patients on an outpatient basis like chemotherapy, once every few weeks, but over a much shorter time.